It's lucky Wenger is not David Moyes. Because the analysis, criticism and coverage given to Manchester United's meltdown is on a completely different level to anything Arsenal have had, not just this season but in recent seasons. And after all, this season has largely been praise.

But of course fans don't see it like that. They largely only read about their club , they'll have glossed over the United stuff in the papers and claim Arsenal are picked on. That's the paranoia of a fan living in the modern media world.

(Photo: Getty)

The pressure is on and that's why Wenger gave the players a little breather. It's good management. Especially as he can rarely do it because Arsenal have, for the most part, had two games a week this season.

But the point is that Arsenal needed the break. Mesut Ozil went back to Germany, Santi Cazorla to his native Spain and it's about as close as a winter break we get in this country!

The title race has become a war of attrition and Arsenal's next few weeks will test their resolve and staying power to the limit. No wonder they need a break.

Stoke away on Saturday (never an easy game) is followed by Everton in the FA Cup, Tottenham and Chelsea away and then Manchester City at home followed by a trip to Everton in the Premier League.

But the run-in finishes with West Ham at home, Hull away, Newcastle and West Brom at home. Then also Swansea at home is to be arranged.

Basically, if Arsenal can be within touching distance at the end of March then I'd really fancy Wenger's men.

The reasoning is simple - they have a kind run of games, they are superb at getting results in the final lap (just look at the last few seasons and the race for top four) and Wenger has great experience when it comes to winning titles.

And don't start laughing at that. Wenger has won three titles in the Premier League era and he'll be even more fired up to end Arsenal's run of nine years without a trophy.

That's why Wenger is a past master at knowing how to handle the title pressure and if it takes giving his players a break then so be it.

As Wenger rightly points out, it's not just physical but mental too. The pressure is intense. It was high pressure against Sunderland because a setback after a hard week would really have raised question marks.

But Arsenal responded brilliantly. They thrashed Sunderland 4-1 and deserved their mini break afterwards. And if it recharges Ozil's batteries then it has to be a good thing.

Wenger said: "We came out of a very heavy schedule with some time off. We had two games off, that's all.

"Sometimes it's not only physical, it's mental. You're always under pressure to perform and sometimes for the players to stay for two days with their family."

Wenger is spot on. The pressure to perform is huge. But Arsenal also have a glorious chance to seize on this moment. March is tough. But April and May less so. So it's important that Arsenal are fresh, recharged and ready for the run-in.

And if you look back upon the last few seasons when the pressure has been on to snatch a top four place, Arsenal have responded. Thankfully, their sights have been raised this season.